The rumor mill hit critical mass around 4 p.m. Friday, when Twitter became abuzz with reports that Bernard was finally reaching the end of his tenure. The main report came from the Indianapolis Business Journal. Citing unnamed sources, the publication reported that IndyCar owners voted Bernard out of his position.

However, just minutes before IBJ released its bombshell, Associated Press auto racing writer Jenna Fryer pulled a Lee Corso and went "not so fast my friend."

Umm, I just talked to Randy Bernard, who says nobody has told him he's fired.

While it's no secret that Bernard has his detractors in the paddock, he has done enough, in this observer's opinion, to deserve at least another year on the job. He pulled together a 19-race schedule for 2013, including some potential smart moves like a Triple Crown of prestigious races and doubleheader weekends at three venues.

I believe the knock on Bernard - who has two years left on a five-year contract - is that he is not a racing lifer. He took over IndyCar after turning Professional Bull Riders into a marketable brand. However, Bernard has really tried to embrace the racing side of the operation.

He has overseen a transition to new cars and the return of engine competition. He has really pushed for a true feeder system to funnel promising young open-wheel drivers to IndyCar. He listened to concerns of unhappy drivers and relieved long-time race director Brian Barnhart of his duties.

There is one black mark on Bernard's time in IndyCar - the death of Dan Wheldon. Had Bernard not offered a $5 million bonus for an "outsider" to win the 2011 finale, some say, Wheldon would still be with us.

Hogwash. Racing incidents happen.

Now that the dirty laundry has been made public, though, I think a decision is imminent. Bernard will probably be shown the door, and Tony George will slide back into the position he held until 2009.

Whatever the decision is, we all need to know soon. An entire series and its fans can't be left twisting in the wind, drawing comparisons to the NHL.

Tweeted driver Graham Rahal:

Come on people either keep Randy or fire him but this is foolish and embarrassing for this sport.